Ravin R9 Review: A Compact, High Performance Crossbow

Just a few years ago, crossbow hunting was pretty limited. Many states did not allow crossbows at all, limiting their use to certain parts of the season, or only to those with disabilities. Now, most states allow them.

And crossbows have opened a world of opportunity for hunters.

Companies like Ravin are helping hunters take advantage of the platform with lighter, more maneuverable and rifle-like crossbows like the R9.

Detailed Review & Breakdown

The R9 rounds out Minnesota based Ravin’s product lineup of just two crossbows.

With a stated goal to, “build the most accurate crossbows on the planet,” Ravin comes pretty close with their R9 and R15 bows.

While their R15 is really setting the standard for high performance crossbows, the R9 is bringing the same level of features to the market at a much lower cost.

Features

The Specs

Ease of Use & Reliability

What It Costs

Much like its sibling, the R15, one of the Ravin R9’s most compelling features is its size.

Traditional crossbows can be a little awkward in the field and the R9’s profile sets out to fix that.

At just over six inches wide, it’s one of the most compact crossbows on the market.

This narrow profile, combined with the R9’s ergonomics, give the bow a very rifle-like feel. Something that should really appeal to hunters that would like to extend their season but aren’t as comfortable with a more traditional bow.

Thanks to an innovative, more balanced design, the R9 is also capable of more power, distance, and accuracy than most crossbows.

The great thing about Ravin’s crossbows is … they didn’t stop at the design.

They’ve also made sure their bows have some of the most impressive performance and specs in the industry.

Here are just a few of the R9’s most interesting specs:

At less than seven pounds, it’s very light.

Its bolts fly at an impressive 390 fps.

Hard hitting 160 ft. lbs. of kinetic energy

The R9 comes fitted with an optic, but its picatinny rail also accommodates other optics.

Comes with six matched bolts and field points.

Ravin’s crossbows are surprisingly easy to use.

The engineers at Ravin have set aside the traditional—and not particularly easy—crossbow cocking method. Instead of having to use a separate tool, users just connect the included crank to the side of the bow and crank the bolt back.

The R9 also includes a trigger safety, a feature that prevents dry fire, and can be easily de-cocked with the included crank.

Made with quality materials in the US, the R9 is a reliable performer.

The price isn’t quite as high as Ravin’s R15, but it’s still very much a higher-end crossbow.

Coming in at around $1500, the R9 is competitive with other major crossbow makers like Barnett, Excalibur, or TenPoint.

While there are certainly cheaper options on the market, Ravin’s crossbows are unique performers.

Who Is The Ravin R9 For?

Ravin’s R9 is a great choice for hunters looking for a more accurate crossbow in a compact package.

Ravin has developed some truly innovative products. While the R15 provides a bit more power, the R9 gives shooters a nearly identical profile in a more affordable package.

If you’re looking to extend your range during bow season and move to something with a more rifle-like feel, the R9 is a great choice at a price that’s not quite as hard to swallow as the R15.

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